By ALEX PITHUA

In a spectacular event held at Daudi Courts, Paidha town, Zombo district, MTN-Uganda in partnership with Alur Kingdom’s officials launched Kopu P’Ubimu 8th edition football and 4th edition bicycle race 2025 competition.

The partnership that started over eight years ago with ball game in Alur kingdom to fight teenage pregnancy and early marriage among the adolescence attracts young people in the kingdom demography engulfing the districts of Nebbi [Padyere], Pakwach [Jonam], Zombo [Okoro] and Mahagi territory in Ituri province of the DR Congo respectively.

This year’s theme: promoting positive parenting to end teenage pregnancy and early child marriage.

Speaking during a press conference, Vincent Orach Ocaya, the executive director Alur Kingdom commended MTN, for being a responsible trusted partner in Alur Kingdom extending support for sports and establishing maternity ward in Alwi health Centre III.

He added through these annual sports galas they advocate for gender equity and preservation of culture of the Alur people (Luo) and promotion of girls to stay in schools’ visa vie advising child mothers to join school.

“Hot spot of teenage pregnancy early marriage is in Alwi sub-county, that's why we recommended MTN to support Alwi health Centre III facility. It is far from St Luke hospital Angal and Pakwach health Centre IV.” Orach stressed during the press conference

Within the three districts an unprecedented teenage pregnancy has been recorded, marking it with the highest numbers in the country.

Testimony from the district sports officers of Zombo, Nebbi and Pakwach say, as they continue to promote sport among the youth, enrollment in various schools have been impressive.

Onim Aziz, Zombo district sports officer and his counterparts from Nebbi and Pakwach confirmed the development saying that the youth are developing talent and acquiring education through this annual tournament. 

Byron Malimoto, the MTN trade marketing coordinator North and Eastern Uganda revealed that prizes like sets of jerseys, football, racing kits and cash prizes will be awarded to the teams, winners and those who displayed good talent.

The games kicked off at bar Okoro stadium in Zombo district on Saturday 20 September 2025, with Alur DR Congo and Okoro.

Alur DR Congo emerged winner with one goal while Okoro made goalless play.

Other special games will be played among the chiefdoms.

Those in Okoro includes;

Kaal Awora, Kaal Upanu, Kaal Ayuveni and Kaal Alego Lari Jupajalaure.

Padyere: Kaal Padwot, Kaal Pawong, Kaal Pangero and Kaal Pangero.

Jonam: Kaal Pacego, Kaal Amor, Kaal Puvungu and Kaal Alwi Puyang.

These activities among others are pre-events to mark the 15th coronation anniversary of the King of Alur HRM Phillip Olarker Rauni III.

Alex Pithua is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations